Assam CM launches NESFIC 2026 innovation challenge for North East youth

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the North East Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 (NESFIC)-Ashtalakshmi. The initiative is designed to foster innovation among youth in North East India by connecting young innovators with government and industry needs.

The program identifies 50 real-world challenges, with 40 sourced from government departments and 10 from industry organizations. Participants have the opportunity to receive grants of up to Rs 40 lakh and a pathway toward government adoption, effectively positioning the state as a first customer for practical technological solutions.

Launched at the Assam Administrative Staff College, the initiative aligns with the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026 and the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. It aims to create a practical ecosystem where creativity and technology are applied to solve actual problems faced by citizens and institutions.